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Types of AccessNI checks

AccessNI provides basic, standard and enhanced checks. Depending on the level of check, different criminal records and cautions are disclosed on a person's certificate. An employer must know the check required for a job or volunteering role.

Basic check

A basic AccessNI check has all unspent convictions or will state that no such convictions were found.

Anyone can apply for a basic check. An employer can ask all job applicants to apply for a basic check during the recruitment process.

Standard check

informed warnings and other non-court disposals from the Police National Computer

Some old and minor convictions and non-court disposals on a criminal record may not be disclosed. Fixed penalty tickets and parking fines aren't included in a standard check.

Standard checks are only available where the position or role in question is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders (NI) Order 1978. They are not suitable for roles working with children or vulnerable adults.

An individual cannot apply for a standard check. An application for a standard check must be counter-signed by an AccessNI-registered organisation.

Enhanced check

An enhanced check discloses an individual’s full criminal record, giving:

spent and unspent convictions from the Police National Computer

cautions, informed warnings and other non-court disposals from the Police National Computer

information held by the Disclosure and Barring Service (for positions in regulated activity)

information held by the police that is relevant to the role applied for

Some old and minor convictions and non-court disposals on a criminal record may be filtered. Fixed penalty tickets or parking fines aren't included in an enhanced check.

Enhanced checks are normally required where the applicant will work or volunteer in a role providing services to or having close and regular supervision of children or vulnerable adults.

An individual cannot apply for an enhanced check. An application for an enhanced check must be counter-signed by an AccessNI-registered organisation.

You must be 16 years old or over to get an enhanced check. The only exception is for family members of an applicant, under 16, where the applicant is registering as a childminder or wants to adopt or foster a child.